Highly Specialist Orthoptist

Essential

• Orthoptics BMedSci OR . BSc (Hons) Orthoptics OR . Orthoptics BSc (Hons) OR . Diploma from British Orthoptic Council (DBO)
• To be registered with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Postgraduate plus further training relevant to sub-specialist practice e.g. higher degree e.g. MSc OR . Relevant short courses and experience to a Masters level
• Accredited clinical tutors' course

Desirable

• Role of clinical advisor or active involvement in a BIOS extended role clinical advisory group
• Post masters experience in specialist area developing advanced clinical skills and leadership
• Leadership qualification
• Medical exemptions for Orthoptists

Essential

• Advanced clinical practice, both in theory and practical knowledge in a range of clinical areas, particularly in neuro-orthoptics
• Knowledge and experience of clinical matters beyond direct clinical role
• Significant advanced clinical experience in assessment & management of patients with active and sight-threatening disease across multiple areas of specialist clinical practice
• Evidence of on-going commitment to continuing professional development following BIOS/HCPC guidelines.
• Visual field examination and interpretation
• Experience of clinical teaching of Orthoptics.
• IT skills

Essential

• To be approachable and maintain an excellent rapport with colleagues
• Good verbal and written communication skills with adults, carers, parents and children, students and all staff disciplines.
• Evidence of working successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently.
• Ability to produce written reports

Desirable

• Skilled in use of slit lamp, optic disc imaging and interpretation of visual fields results, or other ophthalmic investigations usually carried out by specialist medical staff
• Experience of research and development activities
• Experience undertaking and presenting audit

Essential

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially conflicting information to patients and other stakeholders in an appropriate manner independent of their level of understanding
• Leadership, organisational and negotiating skills
• Ability to use initiative and quickly interpret complex and potentially conflicting clinical information
• Capable of performing sustained high intensity work in a pressurised clinical environment
• Skills of persuasion
• Possesses precise, fine-motor physical examination skills
• Works well autonomously
• Self-motivated
• Conscientious
• Enthusiastic
• Excellent time management